City Council

Florence City Council Business Meeting Tuesday, May 14, 2024 6:00 p.m. MINUTES The City Council of the City of Florence, Kentucky, met in regular session on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Boulevard, Florence, Kentucky, with Mayor Julie M. Aubuchon presiding as chair. CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME: Mayor Julie M. Aubuchon called the regular meeting to order and declared the regular session open for the presentation of all city business. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Aubuchon and Members of City Council recited the invocation. All attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: The roll was called, and the following five (5) members of council were registered present: Mel Carroll, Lesley Chambers, David A. Osborne, Pat Wingo, and Gary Winn. Councilmember Jenna Kemper was absent. Staff members present were: City Attorney, Thomas R. Nienaber; CFO/HR, Linda Chapman; Fire/EMS Chief, Rodney Wren; Chief of Police, Jeff Mallery; Public Services Director, Eric Hall; Director of Administration/City Administrator, Joshua J. Hunt; City Engineer, Bill Viox; City Clerk, Melissa Kramer; Videographer, Joel Clines; and Police Lieutenant, Roger Allen. The following were also present in the audience: Kevin P. Costello, Executive Director of the Boone County Planning Commission; Resident of Florence, Thomas Judd; Northern Kentucky Tribune Reporter, Trisha Scheyer; Resident of Florence, Carlotta Lively; Family and Friends of the Fire/EMS Department employees; Fire/EMS Assistant Chief, John Black; Fire/EMS Battalion Chief of EMS, Danielle Stiner; Fire/EMS Assistant Chief, Ryan Born; Fire/EMS Battalion Chief, Joey Marcum; Fire/EMS Captain, Jon McNamara; Fire/EMS Lieutenant, Jimmy Rose; Fire/EMS Commander, Dave Dannemiller; Fire/EMS Battalion Chief of Training, Matt Pleiman; Fire Marshal, Randy Childress; and Members of the Florence Fire/EMS Department. Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2024, special meeting. Councilmember Carroll motioned to approve the minutes with a second from Councilmember Wingo. All councilmembers present voted aye. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the minutes of the May 1, 2024, special meeting. Councilmember Winn motioned to approve the minutes with a second from Councilmember Wingo. All councilmembers present voted aye. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Aubuchon recognized National Police Week and issued a Proclamation proclaiming May 12, 2024 - May 18, 2024 as Police Week and May 15, 2024 as Peace Officer Memorial Day reading the following Proclamation into record: WHEREAS, the men and women of the Florence Police Department serve as the guardians of our community, exhibiting dedication, courage, and sacrifice in their service to the community, often facing danger and adversity to protect and serve; and WHEREAS, in 1962 President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty; and WHEREAS, Police Week is a time to recognize and honor the dedicated service and sacrifices of law enforcement officers who tirelessly work to preserve peace, protect the rights of individuals and their property, prevent crime, and provide vital assistance to those in need; and WHEREAS, the Florence Police Department, through their commitment to public safety and community partnership, embodies the core values of respect, compassion, and dedication to improving the quality of life for our residents; and WHEREAS, during Police Week, we express our gratitude to the Florence Police Department and all law enforcement officers for their tireless commitment to duty, their courage in the face of danger, and their dedication to the principles of justice, equality, and service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT, I, Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor of the City of Florence, Kentucky, and on behalf of the members of Florence City Council, do hereby proclaim the week of May 12-18, 2024, as Police Week and May 15, 2024 as Peace Officer Memorial Day in our city and call upon all residents to join me in honoring and thanking the Florence Police Department for their outstanding service, sacrifice and commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Florence, Kentucky, to be affixed hereto, this 14th day of May 2024. 2|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 PROCLAMATION: Mayor Aubuchon recognized National Public Works Week and issued a Proclamation proclaiming May 19, 2024 - May 25, 2024 as Public Works Week reading the following Proclamation into record: WHEREAS, the City of Florence recognizes the vital role of public works services in ensuring the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents; and WHEREAS, the Florence Public Services Department has demonstrated exemplary dedication and commitment to serving the community with integrity, professionalism, and excellence; and, WHEREAS, the diligent efforts of the Florence Public Services Department have significantly contributed to the enhancement and maintenance of essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, utilities, parks, and public spaces; and WHEREAS, the skilled and tireless workforce of the Florence Public Services Department consistently goes above and beyond to respond to emergencies, maintain cleanliness and provide essential services that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, the year 2024 marks the 64th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT, I, Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor of the City of Florence, Kentucky, and on behalf of the members of Florence City Council, do hereby proclaim the week May 19-25, 2024 as National Public Works Week and further extend appreciation to the City of Florence Public Services Department and acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of public works professionals and recognize their unwavering dedication to the betterment of our community. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Florence, Kentucky, to be affixed hereto, this 14th day of May 2024. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Aubuchon recognized Emergency Medical Services Week and issued a Proclamation proclaiming May 19, 2024 - May 25, 2024 as Emergency Medical Services Week reading the following Proclamation into record: WHEREAS, Emergency Medical Servies (EMS) Week, observed annually from May 19th to May 25th, is a time to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of EMS personnel to our community; and WHEREAS, the theme for the 50th Anniversary of EMS Week, “EMS Week: Honoring Our Past. Forging our Future,” highlights the rich history and promising future of EMS in delivering life-saving care to those in need; and WHEREAS, the City of Florence is proud to honor the dedicated men and women of the Florence Fire/EMS Department who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and service in providing emergency medical care to our residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, EMS Week, provides an opportunity to acknowledge the pivotal role of EMS providers in safeguarding public health and safety, often at great personal sacrifice and risk; and 3|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 WHEREAS, the City of Florence recognizes the importance of raising awareness about the critical role of EMS in our community and expresses gratitude for their unwavering dedication to excellence in pre-hospital emergency care. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT, I, Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor of the City of Florence, Kentucky, and on behalf of the members of Florence City Council, do hereby proclaim the week of May 19-25, 2024, as Emergency Medical Services Week in our city in honor of the members of the Florence Fire/EMS Department for their exemplary service, selflessness, and commitment to protecting and enhancing the well-being of our citizens. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Florence, Kentucky, to be affixed hereto, this 14th day of May 2024. Oaths of Office – Fire/EMS Department: Rodney Wren, Fire/EMS Chief introduced the Florence Fire/EMS Department members including Fire/EMS Battalion Chief of EMS, Danielle Stiner; Assistant Fire/EMS Chief, Ryan Born; Fire/EMS Battalion Chief, Joey Marcum; Fire/EMS Captain, Jon McNamara; and Fire/EMS Lieutenant, Jimmy Rose. Mayor Aubuchon administered the oaths of office to the newly promoted members of the Florence Fire/EMS Department and congratulated them. Presentation by Kevin P. Costello, AICP, Executive Director, Boone County Planning Commission: Mayor Aubuchon called upon Kevin P. Costello, Executive Director of the Boone County Planning Commission, to discuss the Budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 of the Boone County Planning Commission. Mr. Costello thanked the Mayor and councilmembers for the opportunity to attend the meeting. Mr. Costello identified the Boone County Planning Commission Preliminary FY 2024-2025 Budget provided. Within the provided information, Mr. Costello identified services provided by the Boone County Planning Commission to the City of Florence. The provided information also included projects which were underway and development/redevelopment areas. Mr. Costello identified the request for the Government Funding is proposed to increase compared to previous years. The City of Florence’s portion of the increase is almost $11,800 compared to the current fiscal year which is about a 2.8% increase. Mr. Costello advised the Planning Commission was working on the comprehensive plan and the city should be receiving the goals and objectives in June for adoption. The Planning Commission hopes to have the new plan adopted by the end of the year. Mr. Costello identified additional projects the Planning Commission was working on including new aerial photographs of the county; new elementary schools; and an updated website. 4|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Mr. Costello concluded his presentation and requested questions from councilmembers. No discussion was necessitated. SECOND READING ORDINANCE O-9-2024: Mayor Aubuchon read Ordinance O-9-2024. An ordinance relating to personnel, amending Ordinance Nos. O-33-2023 and O-4-2024 relating to personnel policies, job descriptions authorized positions and pay plan thereby updating the job description of the Human Resources Coordinator. The purpose of Ordinance O-9-2024 relating to Personnel Policies, Job Descriptions, Authorized Positions, and the Pay Plan is to include an updated and revised Job Description for the Human Resources Coordinator for the City. In all other respects, the current Ordinance relating to Personnel Policies, Job Descriptions, Authorized Positions and Pay Plan shall remain the same. The full text of Ordinance O-9-2024, including its exhibits, is available for examination in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Florence, Kentucky, in the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence, Kentucky, during regular office hours. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance O-9-2024. Councilmember Carroll motioned to approve, with a second from Councilmember Wingo. Councilmember Chambers inquired if the Human Resources Coordinator would be handling personnel issues. Joshua Hunt, Director of Administration/City Administrator, confirmed the Human Resources Coordinator would handle personnel issues. No further discussion was necessitated and based on the motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance O-9-2024 by Councilmember Carroll and seconded by Councilmember Wingo, Mayor Aubuchon requested a Roll Call Vote. Councilmember Carroll, yes; Councilmember Chambers, yes; Councilmember Winn, yes; Councilmember Wingo, yes; Councilmember Osborne, yes. Roll call recognized five yes votes approving the second reading of Ordinance O-9-2024 by unanimous vote. FIRST READING ORDINANCE O-10-2024: Mayor Aubuchon read Ordinance O-10-2024. An ordinance adopting and approving a change of concept development plan in a Commercial Two/Planned Development/Houston-Donaldson Study Corridor (C-2/PD/HDO) District for an approximate 10.3-acre site located at 4999 Houston Road, Florence, Kentucky, to allow a portion of the existing building to be used for office, retail, recreation, or warehousing and distribution uses. The effect of this Ordinance is to allow a portion of the existing building to be used for office, retail, recreation, or warehousing and distribution uses on an approximate 10.3-acre site in a 5|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Commercial Two/Planned Development/Houston-Donaldson Study Corridor (C-2/PD/HDO) District. The full text of Ordinance O-10-2024, including its exhibits, is available for examination in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Florence, Kentucky, in the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence, Kentucky, during regular office hours. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance O-10-2024. Councilmember Winn motioned to approve, with a second from Councilmember Osborne. Mayor Aubuchon requested a Roll Call Vote. Councilmember Carroll, yes; Councilmember Chambers, yes; Councilmember Winn, yes; Councilmember Wingo, yes; Councilmember Osborne, yes. Roll call recognized five yes votes approving the first reading of Ordinance O-10-2024 by unanimous vote. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Aubuchon recognized the month of May as ALS Awareness Month and issued a Proclamation proclaiming May as ALS Awareness Month reading the following Proclamation into record: WHEREAS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known by many as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles, slowly taking away their ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe; and WHEREAS, there is no cure for ALS and on average, patients diagnosed with ALS only survive two to five years from the time of diagnosis; and WHEREAS, securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS; and WHEREAS, we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge through a renewed commitment to galvanize public awareness and support funding leading to significant investments in ALS research; and WHEREAS, ALS Awareness Month increases the public's awareness of people with ALS’ dire circumstances, and acknowledges the terrible impact this disease has, not only on the person but on his or her family and the community, and recognizes the research being done to eradicate this disease. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT, I, Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor of the City of Florence, Kentucky, and on behalf of the members of Florence City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2024, as ALS Awareness Month and call upon all Americans to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Florence, Kentucky, to be affixed hereto, this 14th day of May 2024. 6|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 MAYOR’S REPORT: • Mayor Aubuchon announced the Public Services Department Night Out would be held on Tuesday, May 21, at the Florence Mall Parking lot from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. • Mayor Aubuchon announced the Memorial Day Parade would be held Monday, May 27. Following the parade, the Memorial Day Ceremony would be held at the Boone County Veterans Memorial located at the Florence Government Center. For more information, contact the Administration Department 859-647-8177. • Mayor Aubuchon announced the Florence Aquatic Center will open on Saturday, May 25. • Mayor Aubuchon informed everyone that the city offices would be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day. • Mayor Aubuchon announced that our first Community Photo Contest would take place from June 3 to June 10. Full details are on our website at www.florence-ky.gov. Winners will be announced and featured on our website and social media platforms and displayed at our Art & Vendor Festival on July 20. • Mayor Aubuchon announced Movies in the Park on Fridays in June at the Florence Nature Park. Movies and popcorn are free. The first movie will be Barbie on June 14; Wonka on June 21; and Super Mario Brothers on June 28. • Mayor Aubuchon announced the city will host a Mini Golf Tournament on June 22 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the World of Golf. For more information, contact Gianna Pretelini at 859-647-5441. RECOGNITION: Mayor Aubuchon asked if any of the following desired recognition: Members of City Council: None desired recognition. Department Heads: Fire/EMS Chief, Rodney Wren: Chief Wren did not desire recognition. Public Services Director, Eric Hall: Mr. Hall did not desire recognition. Chief of Police, Jeff Mallery: Chief Mallery did not desire recognition. Director of Administration/City Administrator, Joshua J. Hunt: Mr. Hunt did not desire recognition. 7|Page Florence City Council Minutes: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Members of the Audience: None desired recognition. CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to go into Closed Session pursuant to KRS 61.810 (1)(b) acquisition/sale of real property - where publicity would be likely to affect the value of property to be acquired for public use or to be sold by the city. Councilmember Winn so moved with a second from Councilmember Carroll. All councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:39 p.m. Mayor Aubuchon advised they would return to the room to adjourn and did not anticipate any further business taking place following Closed Session. Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to come back into session after the Closed Session. Councilmember Chambers so moved, with a second from Councilmember Wingo. All councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:57 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Aubuchon called for a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Wingo so moved, with a second from Councilmember Osborne. Councilmembers present voted aye, the time being 6:58 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ Julie M. Aubuchon Julie M. Aubuchon, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Melissa Kramer Melissa Kramer, City Clerk 8|Page